Display device support system

ABSTRACT

A system for supporting video display devices in front of a user. Support system includes a headwear element that is placed over or upon a user&#39;s head. A display device, such as a three-dimensional display device is placed in an adjustable support structure that is located at the front of the headwear element. Through the adjustable structure the display device can be positioned at the best level for the user&#39;s eyes. In some embodiments the headwear element can use a support strap provided towards the rear of the headwear element to helps support the weight of the display device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to display device support systems, morespecifically, the present invention is directed to a headwear devicesupporting a display device in front of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of video display devices on the market that aredesigned to place a display in front of the eyes of a user. Often, thesedevices are modeled after glasses in their general shape and in themanner that they interface with the user's head. Most of the time, theseapplications are used in conjunction with two-dimensional (2D) imagedisplays. Since 2D image displays can tolerate wider variations inphysical parameters, such as in alignment relative to the user's eyes,currently available head mounted display arrangements are capable ofproducing acceptable results.

However, applications designed for three-dimensional (3D) viewing oftenhave difficulty utilizing traditional designs. 3D applications oftenhave smaller tolerances for variations in physical parameters. Everyhuman face is different, and devices that use the user's eyes and earsfor alignment may not operate to optimally place the display relative toan individual user's eyes.

Traditional systems may also have difficulty handling the weight ofcomplicated display systems. For example, “glasses” style devices mayplace an uncomfortable or impractical amount of weight on the user'snose or ears. This combination of weight locations can become extremelyuncomfortable, especially after extended periods of wear, and may beunsuitable for assuring the consistent viewing geometry (3D) systemstypically need. These problems can become exacerbated when thetraditional 2D display system is replaced with a heavier 3D system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system for supporting displaydevices in front of a user. Example embodiments of the systemincorporate the support structures into a headwear element that isplaced over or upon a user's head. A display device, such as athree-dimensional (3D) display device is placed in a support structurethat is located at the front of the headwear, and allows the displaydevice to be vertically adjustable in relation to the headwear. Exampleheadwear embodiments may also use a support strap provided towards therear portion of the headwear that helps support the weight of thedisplay device.

In some example embodiments, the support structure is comprised ofremovable components. The first component is a headwear interfacecomponent, shaped to conform to the shape of a users forehead. Thesecond component is a display interface component that mounts thedisplay device. Connection of the two components can be accomplished byslideably inserting a teeth bearing top portion of the display deviceinterface component into a groove or other receptacle on the headwearinterface component, and holding it there using a retarding mechanismthat interfaces with said teeth.

Other example embodiments allows the display device to be removed andworn as a hat or visor. The support structure may utilize a series ofclips, screws or other means for holding the 3D display device at theproper level for the user. In such embodiments, this level is typicallyjust above the nose of the wearer. In some embodiments the user can flipthe 3D display device out of the way when not in use while still wearingthe headwear device. Head phones or other sound producing devices can beattached to the structure and linked to the display device.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device support systemaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a support structure according toone embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a headwear element according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of display device supportsystem 100 according to one illustrative embodiment. Support system 100includes headwear interface component 110 and display device interfacecomponent 130, which allow display device 120 to be suspended in frontof user's eyes.

In many embodiments, the support system is an attachable portion of aheadwear apparatus, such as a hat, a visor or other apparatus that canbe placed on the user's head. In other embodiments, headwear interfacecomponent 110 is simply the front portion of the hat, visor or otherapparatus. In these embodiments, the support system 100 may be attachedto the user's head by any acceptable method, for example, double sidedtape or by attaching additional support elements to headwear interfacecomponent 110. Headwear interface component 110 may include brim 111 toprovide shading and reduces glare to the user.

In the illustrated embodiments, display device 120 is a device thatprovides visual information to a wearer. This visual information can bepresented for example, in 2D or in 3D viewing. Display device 120 can beconnected to a video or other device (not illustrated) that providesimages (e.g., prerecorded or otherwise generated or stored remotely tothe device through the use of, for example, wires or cables 122. Wires122 may also carry audio or other information to the device.

In order for the user to properly and comfortably, use the displaydevice, display screens 121 should be placed at normal eye (pupil)level. To assist in the positioning of display device 120, nose cutout123 may be provided to allow display device 120 to fit over the user'snose. Due to the variety of human characteristics, a fixed location ofdisplay device 120 relative to headwear interface component 110 may notbe optimal. In the example embodiments, the support structure allows forthe adjustment of display device 120 relative to headwear interfacecomponent 110 to permit proper alignment of display screens 121 to theuser's eyes.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the presentinvention shown as support system 200, as viewed from the front, andshown separated from a headwear apparatus. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,system 200 includes headwear interface component 210, and display deviceinterface component 230.

Headwear interface component 210 is shaped to conform to a user'sforehead. The material used to form hardware interface component 210 caneither be flexible or rigid, depending on the desired properties ofheadwear interface component 210. The headwear interface component 210can be surrounded by other material to increase the comfort of thedevice. According to some embodiments, the outer portion of the headwearinterface component 210 includes an adjustment wheel 213. Adjustmentwheel 213 is configured to engage interface teeth 232 on a top portionof device interface component 230 to assist the user in placing displaydevice 120 at the correct level. It should be noted, that embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited to a wheel. Other embodimentsutilize a ball bearing and spring to interface with teeth 232, and anyappropriate detent may be used. of the Also in some embodiments, stops214 and 215 are provided. Stops 214 and 215 limit the amount of travelpermitted of display device 120. Additionally, channel 216 may beprovided to support and control the movement of display device interfacecomponent 230 during raising and lowering.

Display device interface component 230 provides a connection betweendisplay device 120 and headwear interface component 210. Display deviceinterface component 230 includes bottom portion 240 and top portion 250.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 bottom portion 240 includes twoholes or apertures 226 that are used to affix or attach display device120 to display device interface component 230. However, other attachmentmethods can be used (e.g., clips, snaps, etc.). Top portion 250 includesslot 231 that limits the up and down adjustments of the display device.Slot 231 interfaces with stops 214 and 215 in limiting the range ofmotion of the support structure. Top portion 250 also includes a set ofinterface teeth 232 configured to interface with adjustment wheel 213 ofheadwear interface component 210. In some embodiments bottom portion 240includes a hinge or other mechanism placed in a way that permits displaydevice 120 to rotate away from the user's face so that the displaydevice 120 is out of the way when the user periodically needs to viewthe outside world. Such a hinge or bracket could be placed between topportion 250 and bottom portion 240, for example, and rotate displaydevice up or rotate display device 120 to the side.

The system described in the representative embodiments provides a methodof suspending and adjusting a display device that is illustrated in FIG.4. As shown in step 401, mount a display device, such as display device120, on a component, such as display device interface component 230,that can be adjustably connected to a component of a headwear apparatus,such as headwear interface component 210. Adjusting the display device'sposition, shown in step 402, can then be accomplished by sliding thedevice interface component 230 through the connection to the headwearinterface component 210. Display device 120 is illustrated in FIG. 2 asheld in place using pressure connector 233. This applies pressure ondevice interface component 230 against headwear interface component 210.The pressure applied by pressure connector 233 retards the movement ofdisplay device 120 relative to headwear interface component 210. To movedisplay device 120 either up or down (i.e., raising/lowering) relativeto headwear interface component 210, as described in step 403 of FIG. 4,pressure connector 233 is loosened to a point where display deviceinterface component 230 can move. The user then rotates adjustment wheel213 to move the display device 120. The rotation of adjustment wheel 213engages teeth 232 in a method similar to a rack-and-pinion system.Again, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to anadjustment wheel, but, rather may use any appropriate mechanism to aidein holding the components in position in relation to each other. Forexample, other embodiments utilize a ball-bearing or other similarobject pressed into the teeth by a spring. Thus, the user is able toadjust the height of display device 120 and display screens 121 relativeto the user's eyes. When finished with the adjustment the userretightens pressure connector 233 to prevent additional movement ofdisplay device 120. However, in some embodiments the adjustment wheel213 can be omitted and display device 120 can be adjusted manually.

FIG. 3 is a side view of headwear element 110 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Headwear element 110 includes ovoidportion 310 and strap 320. Ovoid portion 310 is designed to fit around auser's head. Depending on the arrangement and style of headwear element110, ovoid portion 310 may be adjustable. Adjustment may be made usingany technique for increasing or decreasing the size of ovoid portion310.

Generally, front portion 311 of the ovoid portion 310 is arranged topress or fit against the forehead of the user. In some embodiments,front portion 311 of the ovoid portion 310 has headwear interfacecomponent 210 inserted into it. The location of headwear interfacecomponent 210 is arranged such that display device 120 can be placed,following adjustment, at the proper location relative to the user'seyes. In other embodiments, ovoid portion 310 is divided into twodistinct portions. In yet other embodiments the headwear interfacecomponent 210 forms front portion 311 of the ovoid portion 310. In theseembodiments, connection points 313 are provided to connect front portion311 to back portion 312 to form ovoid portion 310.

In some embodiments, a strap 320 is located towards back portion 312 ofthe ovoid portion 310. Strap 320 loops over from one side of ovoidportion 310 to the other. When worn by a user, strap 320 typically restson or near the crown of the user's head. In some embodiments strap 320is adjustable to create a better (tighter) fit on the user's head. Forexample, adjustment can be made using hook-and-eye connectors (such asVelcro®) to properly tighten the strap on the user's head. However, anyadjustment method may be used. Strap 320 provides additional supportthat transfers a portion of the weight associated with display device120 from the front of the user's head to the back of their head. Thisresults in the user having a more comfortable viewing and wearingexperience, and helps to counter the weight of the display devicesuspended in front of the user.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

1. A system for supporting a display device in front of a user,comprising: a headwear apparatus designed to fit on a head of a user; aheadwear interface component designed to connect to said headwearapparatus, and formed to a shape of a user's head; a display deviceinterface component adjustably connected to said headwear interfaceapparatus; and a display device mounted to the display device interface;wherein said display device is suspended in front of said user.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising: a strap coupled to said headweardevice, said strap configured to interface across a portion of saiduser's head, said strap counteracting a force applied by said displaydevice on said headwear device.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein saidstrap is adjustable.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein said strap isdisposed near a back portion of said headwear apparatus and interfaceswith a back portion of said user's head.
 5. The system of claim 1wherein said display device interface component is removable from saidheadwear interface component.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein saidheadwear interface component is removable from said headwear apparatus.7. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a wheel coupled to saidheadwear interface component; and a plurality of engagement teethdisposed on said display device interface component configured tointeract with said wheel to move said display device interfacecomponent.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a ball-bearingand spring detent connected to said headwear interface component,wherein said ball-bearing is forced to interact with engagement teeth onsaid display device interface component when said components areslideably connected.
 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising: apressure connector that, when engaged, retards movement of said displaydevice interface component relative to said headwear interfacecomponent.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said headwear interfacecomponent is attached via set of straps.
 11. The system of claim 1wherein said display device interface includes a rotation means thatallows said user to see while keeping said display device connected tosaid headwear apparatus.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein said headwearapparatus is a visor.
 13. A method of putting a display device in frontof a user, said method comprising: mounting a display device to adisplay device interface component; adjustably connecting said displaydevice component to a headwear interface component; and attaching saidheadwear interface component to a headwear apparatus, wherein saiddisplay device is suspended in front of a user.
 14. The method of claim13 further comprising: adjusting a position of said display device byvertically sliding said display device interface component relative tosaid headwear interface component; and resisting said sliding with adetent attached to said headwear interface component.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said adjusting further comprises: rotating a wheel on aheadwear interface component disposed on said headwear device; engagingwith said wheel a portion of a display device interface component; andraising/lowering said display device interface component in response tosaid rotating.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising: releasinga restraining component; adjusting said display device; and reengagingsaid restraining component.
 17. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising: placing a strap coupled to said headwear device forredirecting to the back portion of said users head at least a portion ofa weight associated with said display device.
 18. A video display systemcomprising: a video display device, said display device having a videodisplay for a right eye and a video display for a left eye; a headwearelement arranged so as to fit about a wearer's head; a connectioncomponent coupled to said display device and a front portion of saidheadwear element, said connection component arranged to couple saidvideo display device to a front portion of said headwear element; and asupport strap coupled to a rear portion of said headwear element, saidsupport strap transferring at least a portion of a weight associatedwith said video display device from said front portion to a rear portionof said wear's head.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein said connectioncomponent comprises: a rotatable toothed wheel; and a toothed rackinterfacing with said toothed wheel; wherein said toothed wheel andtoothed rack arranged to adjust a height of said display device relativeto said headwear element.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein saidconnection comprises: a spring connected to said headwear interfacecomponent; a sphere being pressured by said spring; and teeth located onsaid display device interface component, wherein said sphere is pressedinto gaps between said teeth when said components are connected.